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Knicks Trade Rumors: Third team was needed for Enes Kanter-Bulls deal

By Rob Wolkenbrod

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 29: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks boxes out Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz during the game on December 29, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 29: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks boxes out Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz during the game on December 29, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls had discussed an Enes Kanter-for-Jabari Parker trade, but it needed a third team to make anything happen.

The New York Knicks were in discussions with the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings to move Enes Kanter, but nothing materialized since those rumors came about earlier this month. That’s with the trade deadline less than three weeks away.

The Kanter talks included Jabari Parker back to the Knicks, but according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, a third team was needed to take the Turkish center.

New York wants to move Kanter and his $18.6 million salary for an asset, Bondy added, although that market has not developed.

It makes sense for the Bulls to not want Kanter in return. They have young pieces in the frontcourt to develop, aside from the Wendell Carter Jr. injury, with Lauri Markkanen and Bobby Portis needing minutes. Plus, Robin Lopez is already there as a high-priced veteran backup.

Few teams can take back Kanter’s salary, however. That’s what makes the Kings an intriguing suitor, given their eight-figure mark below the cap and a bevy of expiring contracts to move: Zach Randolph, Iman Shumpert and Kosta Koufous.

If the Knicks can’t strike a deal with Chicago or Sacramento, it’s difficult to see where else he fits in the NBA, money-wise. The Dallas Mavericks have Wes Matthews‘ money to move, but would they desire a high-priced backup to DeAndre Jordan who’s also an impending free agent?

Of course, the Knicks can work a buyout with Kanter, but that potentially means sacrificing part of a salary he may not see in free agency. If he desperately desires a winning situation, though, it’s an option.

On top of this, Kanter’s public, off-court issues can’t be avoided. He remained stateside for the Knicks game in London, England, against the Washington Wizards, due to fears for his life from the Turkish government. The NBA already backed up the 26-year-old, and nothing has indicated he will sit out games due to everything.

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Whether or not the Knicks move Kanter, he’s not a candidate to remain past season’s end. With his salary consuming most of the team’s soon-to-be salary cap space, and the previous concerns over playing time, there’s no recipe for maintaining a relationship here.

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